With the harsh winter once again blanketing Colorado, many often let their vehicle “warm up” or idle to temperature before embarking on their daily commutes.

However, when it comes to the proper functioning of a vehicle’s engine, AAA Colorado says running a vehicle’s engine for an extended period before driving is unnecessary.

“Start the engine and allow it to idle only for the time it takes you to fasten your seat belt,” the organization says. “This ensures that lubricating oil gets to all of the engine’s vital parts. Driving the car normally and avoiding hard acceleration brings the engine to a warmer temperature faster and also reduces wear and exhaust emissions.”

“Naturally, a little longer idle time is OK in winter, while you clear snow and ice from the windshield and other car parts,” AAA Colorado adds. 

Aside from it being unnecessary, the state of Colorado, as well as several of its municipalities, have adopted “puffer laws.” The intent of these laws is two-fold — reduce air pollution and the risks of auto theft when a vehicle is left running while unattended.

Colorado’s “puffer law” says the following: “No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, and effectively setting the brake thereon, and, when standing upon any grade, said person shall turn the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway in such a manner as to prevent the vehicle from rolling onto the traveled way.”

Violation means a Class B traffic infraction, and the fine can range from $15 to $100, in addition to court and administrative fees.

Denver’s municipal “puffer law” does include exceptions for abnormally cold weather.

According to the City and County of Denver Vehicle Idling Law, vehicles cannot idle for more than five minutes in any one-hour period, unless the temperature has been less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit for each hour of the previous 24 hour period or the latest hourly outside temperature is less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Violations of Denver’s vehicle idling law are harsher than those at the state level, however. Fines start at $150 and can reach as high as $999 for subsequent violations. They also subject to additional court costs and fees.

Motorists, of course, can let their vehicles run for a bit to warm up the interior, so long as they’re around. But vehicles should not be left running inside a garage, as it poses risks of carbon monoxide inhalation, regardless of the weather outside.

Photo Credit: shaunl (iStock).

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